Modern Radios

[Ride Fly]

I posted a thread about radios and speakers awhile ago. At first I was hesitant to install a modern radio due to the necessity of cutting the dash. Well, I’m not as disinclined to do that as I once was. I think I might be convinced into it. So, can anyone post pics of their modern radios installed into the dash? TIA!

 

[CSteppe82]

Following

 

[BRShap]

I just installed a retrosound radio this weekend. My dash is cut for a DIN slot so I cannot be 100% certain but I believe you can install it without cutting (its certainly narrow enough, not sure on the height). For me the whole appeal of the retrosound is you can pick a face plate and knob set that looks almost exactly like the original radio.

Its not the highest quality item out there but if you're going for the original looks they're the only game in town it seems.

 

[Ride Fly]

I just installed a retrosound radio this weekend. My dash is cut for a DIN slot so I cannot be 100% certain but I believe you can install it without cutting (its certainly narrow enough, not sure on the height). For me the whole appeal of the retrosound is you can pick a face plate and knob set that looks almost exactly like the original radio.

Its not the highest quality item out there but if you're going for the original looks they're the only game in town it seems.

Yep I am still considering a Retrosound radio. They look cool but I was thinking the quality and features might not be up to par with the modern units. Just want to see how good or bad new modern radios look when installed. So come on fellas with the modern radios. Show us the goods!

 

[tls3601]

I believe @GA Architect did a nice install, maybe he will chime in

 

[iptman]

I wouldn't cut it if it's not already. Install a Tuffy console which has a din slot for a radio. Also, I thought the retrosound raido was modern. They have Bluetooth, USB, handsfree mic, rca outputs. What features are you looking for?

 

[hooter]

My solution.

Loud enough. Bluetooth to stream phone music.

Just a thought.

 

[emac]

retrosound in mine. Works pretty good. The menu and buttons aren't very intuitive for me. Oh how I yearn for the days of buttons and knobs in cars!

I made a metal backer panel to help hold it in firmly. You can barely see it behind the plastic face plate.

 

[S4Cruiser]

I just finished a very simple install in my 1970. No radio, no dash cutting, nothing.

2 channel amp mounted under drivers seat connected to MBT-RX and then the amp connected to a pair of speakers.

Use your phone as the audio source via Bluetooth. No dash cutting required!

 

[Mr Cimarron]

You can always go overhead console for radio and speakers. Completely reversible back to stock. Only downfall is you can’t run soft topless with it installed. Best photos I can find at the moment.

 

[ginmtb]

I was once a wannabe car audiophile. Yes, that was me back in the 80's thumping down the street in my Dodge Colt lol. I wouldn't be too concerned the Retrosound unit not being "modern" enough. These vehicles are acoustically awful (tin can-ish) and any true hi-fidelity is wiped out by the drone of the mighty F or 2F. I have satellite speakers front and back, an 8" subwoofer under my driver's seat, a Pioneer head unit which is BT and AM/FM only in the Tuffy console, and a nice 3-channel Alpine amplifier to power everything. Sounds great when parked and car not running. Trying to preserve what hearing I have left after said audiophile days and use musician's earplugs when on longer trips. I wouldn't spend a ton of money on your system. And I definitely wouldn't cut it up since getting it back to stock will be very difficult and/or expensive. There are some good solutions posted if you don't want to do a Tuffy.

 

[GA Architect]

A few years ago, found this old shaft-style unit on Z-bay....

...and installed it. Trimed the radio face plate and not the lower dash pads.

 

[brooklyn]

What S4Criiser said. Did the same and any passenger can Bluetooth their music. Also works great with Waze for driving directions.

Easy install,

 

[ColoradoCarlisle]

Radio delete plate and Bluetooth speaker for me easy and I just saved about 4 hours hooking up a radio and installing speakers somewhere that would take up valuable storage area

I have a JBL waterproof almost military looking 6" speaker that works great

My .02

 

[iptman]

Someone should design a front firing bluetooth speaker that fits perfectly in to the radio hole and connects to the factory radio harness connection for power.

 

[Ride Fly]

A few years ago, found this old shaft-style unit on Z-bay......and installed it. Trimed the radio face plate and not the lower dash pads.

This is what I was looking for! Doesn’t look too bad with this type or age of unit. Now if I could see examples of the newest radios installed in 40, that would help in my decision making process. IMHO, cutting/trimming the lower dash pads is the biggest deterrent to going with a modern radio. If it was just the metal dash, like in Mr Cimmaron’s 40, I would be more tempted to cut into the metal dash. It would look clean IMO. But since I have the lower pads, I’d be more inclined to finding an old unit like the one you got. What are the dimensions of the back of the radio? Not sure what I should look for on flea bay.

Radio delete plate and Bluetooth speaker for me easy and I just saved about 4 hours hooking up a radio and installing speakers somewhere that would take up valuable storage area

I have a JBL waterproof almost military looking 6" speaker that works great

My .02

Pics of the 6” speaker and its location? As for the radio delete plate, I like where @iptman is headed with his idea...someone should develop a useful item for that slot, whether it is a BT speaker, pen/pad holder, loose change tray, etc. I just think the space-limited 40 could benefit from using every available real estate available.

You can always go overhead console for radio and speakers. Completely reversible back to stock. Only downfall is you can’t run soft topless with it installed. Best photos I can find at the moment.

I’m not a fan of that look and want to be able to take the top off during the summer.

I wouldn't cut it if it's not already. Install a Tuffy console which has a din slot for a radio. Also, I thought the retrosound raido was modern. They have Bluetooth, USB, handsfree mic, rca outputs. What features are you looking for?

You are correct, the RetroSound is modern for sound quality, but I was thinking of all the features that the new units have. But the RetroSound does look great in a 40.

My solution. Loud enough. Bluetooth to stream phone music. Just a thought.

Yep seen that suggestion from a few folks. Did you anchor it so the Bose Minisound won’t fly off during bumps? Is it being charged while your driving?

retrosound in mine. Works pretty good. The menu and buttons aren't very intuitive for me. Oh how I yearn for the days of buttons and knobs in cars! I made a metal backer panel to help hold it in firmly. You can barely see it behind the plastic face plate.

Looks awesome! In the end, I’ll likely go this route. Just want to see how guys are doing modern radios in-dash.

 

[emac]

Here is what I did for speakers, I just did two in the back, hanging on some pole mount brackets. The retrosound has enough power to drive them good enough for me.

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Dual used to have a basic unit that would fit into the opening w/o out mods. Dual XD1222. Detachable face plate and Aux In on the front - outputs for an amp in the back. Have it in Aronold - works well

 

[rkymtnflyfisher]

I run a Tuffy console, my radio is installed there, lockable, out of the way yet easily accessible while going down the road. No dash cutting!

 

[Ride Fly]

Dual used to have a basic unit that would fit into the opening w/o out mods. Dual XD1222. Detachable face plate and Aux In on the front - outputs for an amp in the back. Have it in Aronold - works well

I see one on fleabay right now. I’ve read some bad reviews of that unit. But for $50, not a bad option to try. Heck, if it sucks, I’m only it $50 plus my sweat equity.

I run a Tuffy console, my radio is installed there, lockable, out of the way yet easily accessible while going down the road. No dash cutting!

I just ordered the console from CCOT. I’ll see how I like the idea of the radio in the console. It wasn’t something I wanted but since it’s an option, might as well check it out.